We're Off To The Races
So they are off and running, with the two front parties in a dead heat. My immediate first thought is really a gut fear: that anger with the Liberals will lead to the triumph of Bush conservatism in Canada and American style private health care.
While the desire of Canadians for change is entirely understandable, it is imperative that we think this through carefully. At stake is the role of government itself. Polls consistently show that Canadians want activist (but responsible!) government. They will not get that with Stephen Harper whose record supports minimalist government and private social programs.
The real change we need is a reform of the democratic process itself, including participatory democracy, proportional representation and an end to both elite accommodation and the power of the corporate lobby to dictate policy. Under proportional representation the last Parliament would have had approximately 113 Liberals, 91 Conservatives, 48 New Democrats, 13 Greens, 38 from the Bloc, and 4 Independents.
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Maude Barlow's Daily Blog On Maclean's
Posted on Wednesday, January 04 at 10:20 by BC MaryContributed By
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I believe only the Christian Heritage Party of Canada did, even suggesting MMP (a Mixed Member Proportional system).
The basic principles of proportional representation (as used in Germany and New Zealand) erodes the power base of the elitists. That is why this issue erupts before every general election, and fades away afterwards. When campaigning, candidates (and even party leaders) say they wholeheartedly support it, but after they have been elected, they realize that under a more fair voting system, they might not have won, so they ignore it. The CHP Platform includes statements on MMP.
Unless (and until) many more people say "ENOUGH OF THE ELITISM" and "GET RID OF THE FIRST-PAST-THE-POST SYSTEM", the issue will go away after polling day, dear Maude.
I trust that this general election may be that turning point.